Table of contents
- Overview
- Extraction types
- Setting up your photo job for extractions
- Metadata after extraction
- The takeaway
Overview
GotPhoto offers background extraction services ("knockouts") via our partners, Pure Photos and 36Pix. In this article, we’ll look at the options available for background removal, essential requirements for using this service, best practices for shooting, and pricing and turnaround times.
Extraction Types
We offer two types of background extractions — Automated Background Removal and Verified Background Removal.
| Automated Background Removal Pure Photos | Automated Background Removal 36Pix | Verified Background Removal 36Pix | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
| Process: | Background is removed via AI. | Background is removed via AI | Background is removed via AI and photos are checked by hand. |
| Provider: | Pure Photos | 36Pix | 36Pix |
| Job types: | All job types | School, Preschool, and Sports | School, Preschool, and Sports |
| Pricing US / UK: | $0.10 / £0.08 (plus tax) per edited photo | $0.10 / £0.08 (plus tax) per edited photo | $0.30 / £0.23 (plus tax) per edited photo |
| Turnaround time: | 10 min–3 hrs (depending on volume) | 10 min–3 hrs (depending on volume) | 48 hrs |
| Essential requirements: | |||
| File format: | Images must be in JPG format. Individual and group photos can be extracted. Photo-Limit per request: 10,000 | Images must be in JPG format. Only recommended for individual photos, see guidelines. | Images must be in JPG format. Only recommended for individual photos, see guidelines. |
| Best practices: | Photos can be shot on any background, including natural backgrounds. Please review Pure Photo’s best practices. Since Pure Photos’ AI-only extractions are non-refundable, it is essential to check the suitability of your photos in advance, particularly when using props. | Photos must be shot on a solid background. A green background will provide the highest quality extraction. Important: White backgrounds can be used for portraits, but not for sports. Since 36Pix’ AI-only extractions are non-refundable, it is essential to check the suitability of your photos in advance. | Photos must be shot on a solid background. A green background will provide the highest quality extraction. Important: White backgrounds can be used for portraits, but not for sports. Results must be reviewed and approved by you to ensure they meet your satisfaction and expectations. |
Setting up your photo job for extractions
Once you’ve made sure your images meet the requirements, it’s time to set up your job for extraction.
- Make sure your photos are sorted correctly, and make any adjustments as necessary.
- Activate the access codes. This ensures that all QR code images are hidden. ⚠ Skipping this step will cause your QR images to also be sent for extraction, costing you extra fees and potentially ruining your tagging.
- Click into the Photo Editing tab of your photo job and click Continue on the service option of your choice.
- On the following screen, review the information and costs, and then click the request editing button.
- After submission, you’ll see the status in the Photo Editing tab as progress. During editing, you cannot change the job’s settings, Photo Management, or job status.
If cancellation is needed immediately after submission, contact support.
Receiving the results
- If you selected automated background removal by Pure Photos, the images will be automatically sent back to your job. You will be notified once the extractions are done.
- For automated background removal by 36Pix, simply confirm the images.
- For human verified background extraction by 36Pix, you will receive an email notification when your photos are ready for review. Under the Photo Editing tab, review and either approve or disapprove the images. Approved results replace the originals in Photo Management.
Metadata after extraction
With both Pure Photos and 36Pix, your photo metadata will be retained.
Important: If you plan to perform extractions via other software, test beforehand to ensure tagging data (barcodes/ratings) is preserved:
- Canon: Metadata stored in Copyright field
- Nikon & Fuji: Metadata stored in User Comment field
- Sony: Metadata stored in Image ID field
Sony users: Editing software may not recognize Image ID. Use this metadata script to copy data to compatible fields before exporting.
Please note: Extracted PNG images are returned with a .JPG extension to support gallery replacement.
The takeaway
Using GotPhoto’s extraction services with Pure Photos or 36Pix provides fast, high-quality background removal. Whether you prefer automated AI or verified human review, both options support a professional editing workflow and preserve essential metadata for seamless integration.